Get ready to use internet connection in trains and flights

As per TRAI, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, soon you will be able to carry all your normal jobs normally in the air as you do otherwise. Not just internet, you will also be allowed to make calls when on-board.

TRAI came to this decision after an open discussion as well as analysis of all the comments made on the same. They said,”The operation of mobile communication on aircraft (MCA) services should be permitted within minimum height restriction of 3,000m in Indian airspace.”

In simple words, once the flight is above 3000 meters from the land, passengers are allowed to make phone calls. TRAI has said that in-flight connectivity and IFC service will be allowed to set up at an annual token of Re.1. IFC has to get registered with DoT (Department of Telecommunications) even if it isn’t an Indian company.

On board, Wi-Fi services will be enabled only when the devices are allowed to be used in Airplane or Offline Mode.

On a brighter note, TRAI said that the rules will be same for both Indian flights as well as flights of foreign origin. This rule will be implied on all aircrafts including commercial airlines, private jets and executive aircrafts.

In order to keep a check on everything, TRAI also suggested that there should be a mechanism to check and monitor the in-cabin traffic while the flight is in Indian airspace.

“In-flight connectivity will expand significantly by 2018. It will be wonderful service for the traveler as it will help them to use their productivity and be in touch with their near and dear ones. But the downside could be the noise levels in flight could increase”, said Hemant Joshi, Partner at Deloiite India.

Someone like me who makes 2 short round trips (max.) in one quarter, the news doesn’t make much of a difference. But if you are a traveler who loves sleeping on the journey or makes use of the time to get work done or simple travels a lot, I would love to hear your thoughts on the same.